Posted on April 15, 2018
In central Ohio early April usually brings the seasons first migrating birds but before they really start moving through the area we like to spend time enjoying spring wildflowers. Unlike many of the birds, their world is located on the forest floor and exists before the overhead canopy all to quickly leafs out and cuts off their sunlight. It is a magical time as splashes of color find expression amid the dullness of last years leaf litter.
In what almost seems to be an act of defiance, a solitary Bloodroot blooms surrounded by the slowly decaying leaves, Duranceaux Park.
Cold weather has allowed this Snow Trillium to stay around longer than one usually expects, Duranceaux Park.
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A few days of warm weather, after a week or two of colder than normal spring temperatures, and things really started to open up.
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Often, as we looked for wildflowers, there was activity overhead. A quick glance up indicated that many of the birds were kinglets and they seemed to be everywhere. Armed with that awareness, we dusted off the “bird cameras” and for the next few days made kinglets our primary objective. Often when one decides to look for a specific bird efforts are frustrated, but in this case the kinglets cooperated. “Cooperated” should be qualified by saying that they only do as much as such a hyper active bird can. As many birders know all to well, they’re a challenge to follow with binoculars much less a telephoto equipped camera.
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Not seen as often, we had less luck with the Ruby-crowned Kinglets. For the most part they stayed in the low thickets and brush and moved constantly, with fleeting views often partially obscured by small branches.
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Where there are kinglets there are often . . .
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While the activity continued below, high overhead a Red-tailed Hawk surveyed it’s realm.
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On one outing a group of Black Vultures was seen perched in a Sycamore along the shore of the reservoir. Not a real common sight in central Ohio. Closer examination of the nearby area revealed the partially devoured carcass of a deer.
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We don’t want to forget some of the other birds seen as we looked for kinglets.
Yellow-rumped Warblers are often taken for granted as they are one of the most numerous of their kind but the beauty of this male is undeniable, Greenlawn Cemetery,
Momentarily fooling us into thinking it was a Goldfinch, this Pine Warbler was seen at Greenlawn Cemetery.
Later in the year as low lying bushes leaf out the Eastern Towhee, a large colorful sparrow, will be much harder to see, Greenlawn Cemetery.
With fast departing remnants of a spring snow an American Goldfinch warms itself in the morning sun, Griggs Reservoir Park. surrounded by
Always a thrill to see, we were entertained by this acrobatic Black and White Warbler, Greenlawn Cemetery, (Donna).
If I were a first time visitor to Ohio from Europe, I would be enchanted by this American Cardinal, Griggs Reservoir Park.
On a cold spring morning we wonder what this Eastern Phoebe finds to eat, Griggs Reservoir Park, (Donna).
This Wood Duck pair landed in “the pit” at Greenlawn Cemetery but left just as quickly when they realized they were being watched by a rather large group of birders, (Donna).
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As the ephemeral days of spring pass there will be other wildflowers and winged migrants to enchant, but for a brief moment in time, while on their yearly journey north, kinglets became the seasons exclamation point.
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Thanks for stopping by.
Category: birding in central ohio, Central Ohio Nature, Central Ohio Parks, Greenlawn Cemetary, Griggs Reservoir Park, Highbanks Metro Park, Nature Photography, Wildflowers Tagged: American Goldfinch, Black and White Warbler, Bloodroot, Canon 80D Sigma 150-600mm lens, Cardinal, Carolina Chickadee, Common Speedwell, Cutleaf Toothwort, Dutchman's Breeches, Eastern Bluebird, Eastern Phoebe, Eastern Towhee, False Rue Anemone, Golden-crowned Kinglet, House Finch, Panasonic FZ200, Panasonic Lumix G7 100-400mm, Red-tailed Hawk, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Rue Anemone, Snow Trillium, Song Sparrow, Spring Beauty, Toadshade Trillium, Virginia Waterleaf, White-breasted Nuthatch, Wood Duck, Yellow Trout Lily, Yellow-rumped Warbler
Posted on April 22, 2017
This post is a bit of a ramble covering our adventures in central Ohio nature over the past week. A search for wildflowers and warblers in area metro parks, a visit to a local city park to see if any warblers were passing through and finally the first long kayak paddle of the year. So I hope you enjoy the ride.
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In the spring wildflowers and migrating warblers are usually what comes to mind not turkeys. For me turkeys have always been a fall bird usually associated with a big meal that includes stuffing, gravy, and all the fixins. So a few days ago at Blendon Woods Metro Park it was a bit of a surprise to see a male turkey doing it’s best to convince a female that they should get together.
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The purpose of the trip to Blendon was to look for warblers. We were successful in spotting a few including a Black-throated Green which without to much effort eluded the camera’s lens. While we did see a few, we soon found ourselves seduced by the many wildflowers that were in bloom.
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When not looking at wildflowers or for warblers there were other things . . .
One of a least two mature albino squirrels seen. How they evade the hawks long enough to reach adulthood is a mystery to me.
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The day following our trip to Blendon Woods we headed to Clear Creek Metro Park for what turned out to be a rather long hike. Spring is especially fascinating at Clear Creek with a number of plants not found elsewhere in Ohio. The number of butterflies seen (Eastern Tiger Swallowtails, Commas, Morning Cloaks, etc.) but not photographed, was truly amazing.
Squaw Root, a perennial, non-photosynthesizing parasitic plant, native but not endemic to North America, when blooming resembles a pine cone or cob of corn growing from the roots of mostly oak and beech trees, (Wikipedia), Clear Creek Metro Park.
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Closer to home within the city limits of Columbus along the Scioto River and Griggs Reservoir spring was also in full swing.
In week or so ago I spotted this pair of Blue jays starting work on a nest. They must have given up on that location as no nest was found on this particular day, Griggs park.,
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Out on the reservoir there was also lot’s of activity, much of which eluded the camera’s lens, but some subjects cooperated just long enough. Spotted Sandpipers, turtles, Great Blue Herons, and Great Egrets seemed to be everywhere. As I have undoubtedly mentioned in the past, shooting from a canoe or kayak has it’s own set of challenges, camera shake and the fact that everything is moving just to name a few, so when one gets a relatively good picture it’s truly cause for celebration. When paddling the kayak certain limitations are excepted so a relatively small light superzoom is usually what is taken. It’s easy to tuck out of the way and if it happens go swimming it’s not the end of the world.
Very small Red-eared Slider getting ready to attempt a double-backflip with a twist , Griggs Reservoir.
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In the last week not far from our home it seemed that no matter which way we turned there was something wonderful to see. We hope that’s been your experience also. Thanks for stopping by.
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XXX
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Should you wish, prints from various posts may be purchased at Purchase a Photo.
Category: birding in central ohio, Blendon Woods Metro Park, butterflies, Central Ohio Nature, Central Ohio Parks, Columbus, Griggs Park, Griggs Reservoir, Ohio Nature, photography, Wildflowers Tagged: Albino Squirrel, American Goldfinch, Black haw viburnum, Blackberry Flowers, Blue Jay, Blue Phlox, Bluets, Buckeye, Buttercup, Canon 60D with Sigma 150-500mm, Canon SX40, Coltsfoot, Darter, Dogwood, Duskywing, Fire Pink, Foamflower, Fox Squirrel, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Jacobs Ladder, Northern Flicker, Panasonic FZ150, Panasonic FZ200, Pussytoes, Red Winged Blackbird, Redbud, Rue Anemone, Shooting Star, Solomon's Seal, Spicebush Swallowtail, Spotted Sandpiper, Squawroot, Toadshade Trillium, Trout Lilly, Turkey, Violet Wood Sorrel, Violets, Virginia Bluebells, White-throated Sparrow, Wild Geranium, Wild Ginger, Yellow-throated Warbler
Posted on April 15, 2017
A couple of times a year, usually in the spring and fall we get together with friends for a hike from Clifton to Yellow Springs and back. Yellow Springs turns out to be a great place for lunch with a number of excellent small restaurants and delis. The hike wanders through Clifton Gorge Nature Preserve, John Bryan State Park, and finally Glen Helen Nature Preserve allowing us to enjoy a truly unique Ohio landscape. In the spring the quantity and diversity of wildflowers is truly amazing. The hike usually adds up to about ten miles so it necessitates compromises in the camera equipment we use. No heavy DSLR bird cameras here. However, should you choose to bring more serious equipment or just not feel up to a long hike, there are many shorter options that still allow one to enjoy the natural beauty.
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Leaving Clifton the hike starts out overlooking a narrow stretch of the Little Miami River.
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Continuing to follow the river it wasn’t long before we saw our first trillium.
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In the mix there were other trilliums to enjoy.
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There were also “non-flower” things to see.
This Redback salamander was crossing the road so we decided to place him in a safer location. This salamander can actually be one of two colors: “redback” or “leadback.” In its redback phase it has a reddish stripe that runs down its back from the base of its head to the tail. Found throughout Ohio, it is most often seen in early spring beneath rocks and logs, especially in floodplains. It is entirely land-dwelling and usually will not go to water even to breed. Ref: ODNR.
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As we made our way downstream the river started to widen.
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. . . and then pool before becoming a river once again.
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There was never a place where we couldn’t see a wildflower.
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There wasn’t always a bridge when we needed one. Fortunately on this particular day the river level wasn’t too high.
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Just when you thought you’ve seen all the flowers . . .
Squirrel Corn, It’s roots are yellow tubers that somewhat resemble kernals of corn. This fact, along with squirrels digging it up for food, gave rise to the name. (taken from Wildflowers of Ohio by Robert L Henn)
Wild Ginger, (Donna). The root stalks have a ginger scent and taste. American settlers boiled the root stalks with sugar to make candy. Not the same as the true Ginger spice which is derived from a tropical plant. (taken from Wildflowers of Ohio -Robert L. Henn
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Sometimes we’re left feeling as though life’s magic is slipping away and there are no longer any miracles to celebrate. That’s when we might want to consider taking a walk in the spring woods.
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Thanks for stopping by.
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XXX
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Should you wish, prints from various posts may be purchased at Purchase a Photo.
Category: Central Ohio Nature, Clifton Gorge, John Bryan State Park, photography, The Little Miami, Wildflowers Tagged: Bloodwoot, Blue Phlox, Chickweed, Drooping Trillium, Dryad's Saddle, Dwarf Larkspur, Early Meadow Rue, Golden Ragwort, Hepatica, Large Flowered Bellwort, Large-flowered Trillium, Marsh Marigold, Morel Mushroom, Panasonic FZ150, Panasonic FZ200, Panasonic ZS50, Redback Salamander, Rue Anemone, Spring Beauty, Squirrel-corn, Toadshade Trillium, Virginia Bluebells, Wild Geranium, Wild Ginger, Yellow Trout Lily
Posted on March 31, 2017
March 30th, perhaps it was time to check out O’Shaughnessy Nature Preserve and see what early spring wildflowers might be making their presence known. After all we don’t want to miss anything. Having said that, this time always leaves us feeling a bit impatient as spring always seems to progress so slowly and often heads in the wrong direction.
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Upon closer inspection we find other color in what is still mostly brown.
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Standing out in the stark landscape, a fallen trees creates a shape that fascinates when not looking for small flowers.
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Some flowers seen are unfortunately escapees from someone’s yard.
With Twin Lakes in the distance, the foreground flower make for a beautiful scene, that is until you realize it’s invasive Lesser Celandine.
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In a vernal pool the frogs were strangely quiet considering the time of year.
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We did discover a few native wildflowers. Looking at the still leafless canopy it’s a race against time for early spring ground plants that call the woods home.
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We will continue to mark the season with visits to wooded areas near our home. The Trout Lilies, both yellow and white, should be blooming any day now.
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Until next time, thanks for stopping by.
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XXX
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Should you wish, prints from various posts may be purchased at Purchase a Photo.
Category: Central Ohio Nature, Central Ohio Parks, Columbus, flowers in central ohio, nature, O'Shaughnessy Nature Preserve, Ohio Nature, photography, Wildflowers Tagged: Ground Ivy, Hispid Buttercup, Lesser Celandine, Panasonic FZ200, Purple Cress, Rue Anemone, Sharped-lobed Hepatica, Spring Beauty, Violet
Posted on April 16, 2015
The woods at Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park are a very good place to take a long walk. This time of the year, if you love spring wildflowers, it’s a great place. Yesterday, with that in mind, we packed water and a lunch and headed out with the goal of seeing trilliums and perhaps a few spring warblers.
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The park’s spring woods contain many shallow pools that usually last a few weeks and are gone. The aesthetics of these vernal pools is primarily what attracts me but the real magic is that, due to their lack of predatory fish, they are home to a variety insects and other small creatures. The most obvious of these being various species of frogs and toads which use the pools for reproduction. Salamanders may also use them to reproduce. Depending on location fairy shrimp may also be part of the mix.
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When not being fascinated by the vernal pools it was impossible not to be enchanted by the emerging life of the forest floor most dramatically represented by the wildflowers.
It was the striking appearance of this Toad Shade Trillium’s leaves that attracted our attention. In a few short days they will be uniformly green.
While not quite as common as the Dutchman’s Breaches, we did see a lot of Cutleaf Toothwort. (Donna)
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But when your looking for wildflowers you just might see . . .
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While no warblers were seen there were other birds to enjoy.
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The fact that the warblers and white trilliums eluded us has provided good reason for a return visit. Not that one is needed.
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Thanks for stopping by.
Category: Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park, birding in central ohio, Central Ohio Nature, Central Ohio Parks, Columbus, hiking in central ohio, Ohio Nature, photography Tagged: Canon G11, Canon T3i with Sigma 150-500mm, Common Water Snake, Cutleaf Toothwort, Duchman's Breeches, Eastern Towhee, Panasonic FZ200, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Rue Anemone, Spicebush, Virginia Bluebells, Virginia Waterleaf, White Trout Lilly, Wood Anemone, Yellow Corydalis, Yellow Sedge, Yellow Violet
Posted on April 13, 2015
During a recent trip to Georgia cooperative weather allowed us to get the canoe in the water and do some exploring on Lake Sidney Lanier. The lake is huge with large parts heavily developed due to it’s close proximity to Atlanta. However the area we choose to explore by starting from Don Carter State Park is not as developed and as a result has many interesting coves and inlets to explore. In the last couple of years the region has been blessed with plenty of rain so the lake level has stayed near summer pool. A few years before that the area was suffering from draught conditions and the lake level was down in excess of 10 feet. Not much fun for paddling.
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The idea was to look for wildflowers and warblers. While we were treated to a bald eagle flying overhead, just out of camera range, we didn’t have much success with flowers or warblers. However, we did see butterflies and a rather rare one at that.
Soon another smaller butterfly joins the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail and Duskywings all looking for some valuable nutrients from some type of bird droppings, perhaps from a Great Blue Heron?
My wife moves closer for a better look. It’s a rare Harvester Butterfly! In it’s larval stage it feeds on aphids making it the only carnivorous butterfly in North America.
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We turned away from the butterflies for a moment to notice an Eastern Box Turtle cautiously observing the proceedings.
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Not far from Lake Lanier, in the woods behind the family home, we did discover some new to us wildflowers and a few birds were also seen.
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Back in Ohio, hoping for better luck, we continue our quest for spring warblers.
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Thanks for stopping by.
Posted on April 24, 2013
It wasn’t that many days ago that very little seem to be changing. The grayish brown winter landscape in central Ohio was tenacious this year. Now, from one day to the next, the landscape looks markedly different. Now, warblers pass through on their northern migration. Yellow Tiger Swallowtail and Mourning Cloak butterflies seem to defy the cold morning air taking flight long before you would expect. Trees with buds one day magically have leaves the next. Spring wildflowers, such as Dutchman’s Breeches and Toadshade Trillium, are in a race with tree buds in the canopy overhead. The buds will soon be leaves bringing an end to the spring wildflower celebration for another year. Click on images for a better look.
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Thanks for stopping by.
Category: birding in central ohio, Central Ohio Nature, flowers in central ohio, hiking in central ohio Tagged: American Redstart, Black and White Warbler, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Early Saxifrage, Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, Large Flowered Bellwort, Large-flowered Trillium, Long-spurred Violet, Louisiana Waterthrush, Northern Parula Warbler, Palm Warbler, Phlox, Rue Anemone, Rufous-sided Towhee, Smooth Solomon's Seal, Spring Beauty, Toadshade Trillium, Virginia Bluebells, Yellow Corydalis, Yellow-throated Warbler
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